shoelace

noun

shoe·​lace ˈshü-ˌlās How to pronounce shoelace (audio)
: a lace or string for fastening a shoe

Examples of shoelace in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Telomeres serve as protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, similar to the bits of plastic at the ends of shoelaces. Jamie Ducharme, Health, 29 Jan. 2026 The pairs don’t seek to reinvent the iconic model, maintaining the Air Jordan 11’s standout patent leather mudguard, rubber outsole and thick rope shoelaces. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Jan. 2026 Cats love interactive play with feather toys, laser pointers or even a pesky shoelace. Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 He was last seen wearing a tan or light brown jacket, tan camouflage pants and black shoes with white shoelaces. Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoelace

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoelace was circa 1647

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Cite this Entry

“Shoelace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoelace. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

shoelace

noun
shoe·​lace -ˌlās How to pronounce shoelace (audio)
: a lace or string for fastening a shoe

More from Merriam-Webster on shoelace

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